Award-Winning Biotech Firm Scents Global Opportunity -- But It's Been A Long Haul

19/05/2014

Bringing a new technology to the marketplace is seldom easy, particularly for SMEs with limited resources. From developing prototypes through to convincing investors – and ultimately customers - to take a chance on a ‘leading edge’ concept, it’s a process that invariably eats cash while also requiring science-led start-ups to rapidly acquire the business skills necessary to attract further investment and market themselves effectively. So what does it take to turn IP into viable product?

As CEO of Cambridge-based biotechnology company, Bactest, Professor Annie Brooking has seen the challenges at first hand. Bactest’s award-winning flagship product – Speedy Breedy – has established beachheads in a number of customer segments and thanks to imminent changes in international maritime legislation, the company may be on the verge of a major commercial breakthrough. But it hasn’t always been an easy ride.